Heads You Win

“Certainly not,” said Anna. “We’ve both had quite enough. Anniversaries should not be an excuse to put on weight. And he,” she said, pointing to her husband, “missed his gym session again today. So definitely nothing for him.”

François filled their glasses and took away the empty bottle.

“To another memorable year together, Mrs. Karpenko,” said Alex, raising his glass.

“I wish you weren’t going to Russia.”

* * *

“I wish you weren’t going to Russia,” said Elena, as she placed two pizzas in front of them.

“You and Anna,” said Alex as a waiter rushed across and said, “I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Karpenko, but your secretary has just called to let you know there’s been a problem with the visas, and asked if you could return to your office as soon as possible.”

“I’d better go and find out what the trouble is,” said Alex. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

He left his mother and an anxious-looking Pushkin to finish their pizzas, while he quickly made his way back to the office, where Miss Robbins was waiting for him.

“Is it all going to plan?” she asked.

“Yes, Misha and my mother were sharing a pizza when I left them. She may not know a great deal about banking or business, but when you’ve been in the catering trade for as long as she has, there’s not much you don’t know about people. Anything important before I head back?”

“Ted Kennedy’s assistant called to confirm that all five visas will be on your desk by four o’clock this afternoon, and she also reminded me that the senator will be standing for reelection next year.”

“That’s going to cost me another hundred thousand.”

“I’ve also got you a thousand dollars in cash and the equivalent in rubles, as checks and credit cards still don’t seem to cut much ice in the Soviet Union. The team are booked into the Hotel Europa for five nights.”

“One night might turn out to be enough.”

“And Captain Fullerton is expecting you at Logan around eleven this evening. He has a slot booked for eleven thirty. You’ll refuel in London, before flying on to Leningrad. So now you can go back and find out what your mother makes of Mr. Pushkin.”

Alex took his time returning to Elena’s, and when he arrived, he could see his mother listening attentively to every word Misha was saying. The anxious look returned to the Russian’s face when Alex joined them.

“A problem with the visas?” he asked.

“No, it’s all been sorted out. I hope you enjoyed the pizza.”

“I’ve never had one before,” admitted Pushkin, “and I have already told your mother I know the ideal spot to open the first Elena’s in Leningrad. If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I have to go and do what you Americans call ‘freshen up.’”

The moment he disappeared downstairs, Alex asked, “What’s your verdict, Mama?”

“He’s pure gold,” said Elena. “Not even gold plated. I know nothing about gas except how to turn it on and off, and I accept I’ve only just met Misha, but I’d happily leave him standing next to an open till.”

“Family?” asked Alex, not wanting to waste a moment before Misha returned.

“He has a wife, Olga, and two children, Yuri and Tatiana, who are both hoping to go to university, but he thinks their daughter’s chances are better than his son’s, whose sole interest seems to be motorbikes. Frankly, Alex, I don’t think Misha could pull the wool over your eyes, even if you were fast asleep.”

Pushkin reappeared at the top of the stairs.

“Thank you, Mama. Then it looks as if I’m on my way to Leningrad.”

“Please remember to visit your father’s grave, and do try to catch up with your uncle Kolya. I can’t wait to hear all his news.”

40

ALEX

Boston and Leningrad